Manchester United remain in pursuit of a deal for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo in the summer transfer window but a move has so far failed to materialise
Bryan Mbeumo arriving at the stadium during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Brentford
Man United are yet to wrap up a deal for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo who remains stuck in limbo this summer
(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Manchester United are still chasing a deal for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo. The Reds are back in training this week, having secured two new signings.
United activated the £62.5 million release clause in Matheus Cunha's contract earlier this month, bringing the Wolves forward to Old Trafford on a five-year deal with an option for an extra year. Additionally, Paraguayan left-back Diego Leon has joined the club.
United's pre-season friendlies kick off against Leeds United in Stockholm on July 19. Following their trip to Sweden, they will jet off to the United States to participate in the Premier League Summer Series, where they will square off against West Ham, Bournemouth, and Everton.
There was optimism at Old Trafford that Mbeumo could link up with his potential new colleagues ahead of a pivotal pre-season for Ruben Amorim's squad. However, as of Thursday afternoon, a move has yet to materialise.
Below is a round-up of the latest reports surrounding Mbeumo's potential move to Old Trafford this summer...
Improved offer
The Manchester Evening News understands United submitted a revised bid exceeding £60million just over a fortnight ago. At the time it was understood that would be enough for Brentford, but negotiations remain ongoing.
The Reds' initial offer of £55m did not tempt the Bees, who are said to be holding out for a figure closer to £63m.
'Deal close'
Reports from United In Focus claim that a deal is ‘close’ and a new completion target date has been set. It is claimed that United aim to have him on board ahead of their pre-season trip to America later this month.
Transfer insider Graeme Bailey told the website: “It is believed that talks are continuing between United and Brentford and that a deal is actually close.
“A deal in the region of £65 million is close to being agreed, although delays have mainly been around payment plans, make-up of instalments, as well as potential add-ons and bonuses.
“Old Trafford sources are of the belief that Mbeumo will be a United player sooner rather than later, indeed plans are in place for him to be a United player for their American pre-season trip.”
Alternative targets
United have been linked with several other players in recent days amid radio silence on the club's pursuit of Mbeumo. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Javi Guerra and Wilfred Ndidi have all been touted as targets.
United nod
Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano took to Instagram to spill the beans on United's pursuit of Mbeumo with a fresh update.
His post said: "BREAKING: Man United remain in active talks for Bryan Mbeumo, bid to be improved! Despite no agreement reached so far with Brentford, Man United keep talks ongoing remaining confident.
"With club-to-club negotiations to continue over final details for add-ons, fee structure and more to follow. Mbeumo has been clear: he wants Man United."
Romano's scoop has raked in over 413,000 likes, including thumbs-up from two of United's own players, Matheus Cunha and Joshua Zirkzee.
Transfer preference
Mbeumo is supposed to have told both Brentford and Tottenham he's set on a switch to United if he waves goodbye to the Bees during the hot transfer period.
Spurs' interest in Mbeumo reportedly grew after Thomas Frank made the switch from Brentford to take the reins at Tottenham. However, according to The Athletic, Mbeumo has informed both Frank and Brentford that if he leaves the Gtech Community Stadium this summer, his destination will be Old Trafford.
Frank warning
Former manager Frank warned in May that Mbeumo's sale would need to be for a substantial fee.
"It is clear that if he is to be sold, it must be for a nice, nice amount," he said. "It is a lot. Mucho. Really a lot. Then it is clear that it is impossible to replace him one for one. It cannot be done.
"There is a reason why he costs x number of million pounds, and we do not have x number of million pounds to buy for."